Axis deer

IUCN status: Least concern

Axis axis

Found in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka the axis deer is the most common deer found in Indian Forests. They shed and regrow their antlers annually and,as with all deer, the antler is covered in a specialist type of skin called velvet which supplies the antler with nutrients while growing. Fawns may be born at any time of year. These are also known as spotted deer and were the species that inspired the film Bambi.

Come and meet the family!

We’re home to over 700 animals, including the largest herd of black rhino in the UK, western lowland gorillas, the only giraffe in Kent, tigers, lions, leopards, bears and so much more!